scholarly journals Neuroophthalmic Manifestations of Intracranial Tumours in Children

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Megha Kotecha ◽  
Sarang Gotecha ◽  
Ashish Chugh ◽  
Prashant Punia

Background. All children between 0 and 16 years presenting with brain tumours confirmed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and treated surgically in our institute were included in this study. Objective. The aim of this study is to evaluate the neuroophthalmic and clinical characteristics of intracranial space occupying lesions in children. Methods. Neuroophthalmic manifestations along with location of the tumour by contrast-enhanced MRI, type of surgical intervention, and postoperative histopathological diagnosis were evaluated. Results. In pediatric brain tumours, male preponderance was seen and supratentorial location was more common in general, while in older children, infratentorial tumours were more common than supratentorial tumours. Headache, vomiting, and cerebellar signs were the commonest neurological features. Diminution of vision, diplopia, and strabismus were the commonest ophthalmic symptoms. Papilledema, ophthalmoparesis, and nystagmus were the most frequent ophthalmological signs. Neurological manifestations of seizures, altered sensorium and motor deficits were more frequently seen in supratentorial tumours, while cranial nerve involvement and ataxia were seen in infratentorial tumours. Ophthalmological manifestations including diplopia, strabismus, ophthalmoparesis, and nystagmus were more frequently seen in infratentorial tumours. Astrocytoma was the most frequent histopathological diagnosis followed by medulloblastoma. Conclusion. Diagnosis of pediatric intracranial tumours is complex and requires a multidisciplinary approach for prompt management. An ophthalmologist should have a high index of suspicion for brain tumours especially in patients presenting with common ocular symptoms like diminution of vision, diplopia, and strabismus without any neurological symptoms.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rehan Khan ◽  
Larry A. Binkovitz ◽  
Thomas C. Smyrk ◽  
D. Dean Potter ◽  
Katryn N. Furuya

Mesenchymal hamartoma is a benign tumor of the liver with a poorly understood pathogenesis. It is uncommon in older children, especially after 2 years of age. The signs and symptoms may be nonspecific; therefore, a high index of suspicion is required for diagnosis and treatment. We report a 5-year-old previously healthy male who presented with acute abdominal pain, fatigue, and fever. He was diagnosed with pneumonia initially and treated with antibiotics. A computed tomography (CT) scan done for evaluation of his persistent abdominal pain demonstrated a hepatic mass. Follow-up magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver demonstrated multiple serpiginous tubular-type structures, read as possible Caroli syndrome. He had a normal abdominal examination and normal biochemistries including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alpha-fetoprotein. He was referred to our institution for second opinion. On further review of his imaging studies, the lesion was thought to be a mesenchymal hamartoma. He subsequently underwent resection of the mass. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of mesenchymal hamartoma.



2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liming Wang ◽  
Yasumitsu Hirano ◽  
Toshimasa Ishii ◽  
Hiroka Kondo ◽  
Kiyoka Hara ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Mature presacral (retrorectal) teratoma is very rare. We report a case in which a mature retrorectal teratoma in an adult was successfully treated with laparoscopic surgery. Case presentation A 44-year-old woman was diagnosed with a presacral tumor during a physical examination. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) revealed a multilocular cystic lesion; the lesion was on the left side of the posterior rectum and measured approximately 30 mm in diameter on both contrast-enhanced pelvic computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The presumptive diagnosis was tailgut cyst. However, the histopathological diagnosis after laparoscopic resection was mature teratoma. It is still difficult to preoperatively diagnose mature retrorectal teratomas. Conclusions Laparoscopic resection of mature retrorectal teratomas is a feasible and promising method that is less invasive and can be adapted without extending the skin incision.



2016 ◽  
Vol 96 (5) ◽  
pp. 687-695 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreanne K. Blanchette ◽  
Aditi A. Mullick ◽  
Karina Moïn-Darbari ◽  
Mindy F. Levin

Background Commonly used spasticity scales assess the resistance felt by the evaluator during passive stretching. These scales, however, have questionable validity and reliability. The tonic stretch reflex threshold (TSRT), or the angle at which motoneuronal recruitment begins in the resting state, is a promising alternative for spasticity measurement. Previous studies showed that spasticity and voluntary motor deficits after stroke may be characterized by a limitation in the ability of the central nervous system to regulate the range of the TSRT. Objective The study objective was to assess interevaluator reliability for TSRT plantar-flexor spasticity measurement. Design This was an interevaluator reliability study. Methods In 28 people after stroke, plantar-flexor spasticity was evaluated twice on the same day. Plantar-flexor muscles were stretched 20 times at different velocities assigned by a portable device. Plantar-flexor electromyographic signals and ankle angles were used to determine dynamic velocity-dependent thresholds. The TSRT was computed by extrapolating a regression line through dynamic velocity-dependent thresholds to the angular axis. Results Mean TSRTs in evaluations 1 and 2 were 66.0 degrees (SD=13.1°) and 65.8 degrees (SD=14.1°), respectively, with no significant difference between them. The intraclass correlation coefficient (2,1) was .851 (95% confidence interval=.703, .928). Limitations The notion of dynamic stretch reflex threshold does not exclude the possibility that spasticity is dependent on acceleration, as well as on velocity; future work will study both possibilities. Conclusions Tonic stretch reflex threshold interevaluator reliability for evaluating stroke-related plantar-flexor spasticity was very good. The TSRT is a reliable measure of spasticity. More information may be gained by combining the TSRT measurement with a measure of velocity-dependent resistance.



2012 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 449-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
KL Chan ◽  
CC Mok

Glucocorticoid use is one of the most important causes of avascular bone necrosis (AVN). The pathogenesis of glucocorticoid-induced AVN is not fully understood but postulated mechanisms include fat hypertrophy, fat emboli and intravascular coagulation that cause impedance of blood supply to the bones. Data regarding the relationship between AVN and dosage, route of administration and treatment duration of glucocorticoids are conflicting, with some studies demonstrating the cumulative dose of glucocorticoid being the most important determining factor. Early recognition of this complication is essential as the prognosis is affected by the stage of the disease. Currently, there is no consensus on whether universal screening of asymptomatic AVN should be performed for long-term glucocorticoid users. A high index of suspicion should be exhibited for bone and joint pain at typical sites. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or bone scintigraphy is more sensitive than plain radiograph for diagnosing early-stage AVN. Conservative management of AVN includes rest and reduction of weight bearing. Minimization of glucocorticoid dose or a complete withdrawal of the drug should be considered if the underlying conditions allow. The efficacy of bisphosphonates in reducing the rate of collapse of femoral head in AVN is controversial. Surgical therapy of AVN includes core decompression, osteotomy, bone grafting and joint replacement. Recent advances in the treatment of AVN include the use of tantalum rod and the development of more wear resistant bearing surface in hip arthroplasty.



2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anni Copeland ◽  
Eero Silver ◽  
Riikka Korja ◽  
Satu J. Lehtola ◽  
Harri Merisaari ◽  
...  

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a safe method to examine human brain. However, a typical MR scan is very sensitive to motion, and it requires the subject to lie still during the acquisition, which is a major challenge for pediatric scans. Consequently, in a clinical setting, sedation or general anesthesia is often used. In the research setting including healthy subjects anesthetics are not recommended for ethical reasons and potential longer-term harm. Here we review the methods used to prepare a child for an MRI scan, but also on the techniques and tools used during the scanning to enable a successful scan. Additionally, we critically evaluate how studies have reported the scanning procedure and success of scanning. We searched articles based on special subject headings from PubMed and identified 86 studies using brain MRI in healthy subjects between 0 and 6 years of age. Scan preparations expectedly depended on subject’s age; infants and young children were scanned asleep after feeding and swaddling and older children were scanned awake. Comparing the efficiency of different procedures was difficult because of the heterogeneous reporting of the used methods and the success rates. Based on this review, we recommend more detailed reporting of scanning procedure to help find out which are the factors affecting the success of scanning. In the long term, this could help the research field to get high quality data, but also the clinical field to reduce the use of anesthetics. Finally, we introduce the protocol used in scanning 2 to 5-week-old infants in the FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, and tips for calming neonates during the scans.





2004 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 655-658 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Madhumita ◽  
K.P. Sreekumar ◽  
H. Malini ◽  
R. Indudharan

A case of lobular capillary haemangioma of the trachea is presented. The patient gave a history of foreign body sensation in the throat and multiple episodes of haemoptysis. The chest X-ray was normal. A spiral computed tomograph (CT) with three-dimensional reconstruction revealed a small tracheal mass in the antero-lateral wall of the trachea, which was excised by endoscopy. The histopathological diagnosis was lobular capillary haemangioma, a rare, benign tumour of the trachea. A high index of suspicion with the spiral CT finding was responsible for early diagnosis of the tumour.



1998 ◽  
Vol 56 (2) ◽  
pp. 188-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
ALUÍZIO B.B. MACHADO ◽  
ALEXANDRE A.C. MACHADO ◽  
JOSÉ ALEXANDRE M. BARBUTO ◽  
RICARDO M. DE OLIVEIRA

In this retrospective study, 47 patients with clinical diagnosis of central nervous system metastases of breast cancer were evaluated by computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination. The patients were divided in 2 groups: 1, without leptomeningeal neoplasm and 2, with leptomeningeal neoplasm. In the group 2, the time interval between the primary disease and the central nervous system metastasis as well as the survival time were shorter than in group 1 (40 and 4.3 months in group 2 versus 57 and 10 months respectively, in group 1). In both groups the most common neurological symptoms and signs were intracranial hypertension and motor deficits. The most sensitive diagnostic methods were CT and MRI in group 1, and the CSF examination in group 2. The use of the tumor markers CEA and CA-15.3 in the routine examination of CSF showed promising results, mainly in leptomeningeal forms.



2017 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haris Memisevic ◽  
Indira Mahmutovic ◽  
Arnela Pasalic ◽  
Inga Ibralic Biscevic

Background: The assessment of children’s motor control is very important in detecting potential motor deficits. The Finger Tapping Test (FTT) is a widely used test in various clinical and non-clinical populations. FTT is a neuropsychological test designed to measure motor control. Age and gender are significant pre - dictors of finger tapping speed in school-aged children. The goal of the present study was to determine the effects of age and gender on finger tapping speed in preschool children. Material/Methods: The sample for this study included 111 preschool children, aged 3 to 6 years (mean age- 4.6; SD- 0.9), of both genders (59 boys, 52 girls). As a measure of finger tapping speed we used the Finger Tapping Test from the Psychology Experi -ment Building Language (PEBL). Results: The results of this study found a significant effect of age on finger tapping speed. Contrary to the existing studies, there was no gender effect on the tapping speed in preschoolers. A one way analysis of variance showed that older children performed significantly better than younger children Conclusions:There is a linear trend of improved performance on FTT with an increasing age. The child’s gender was not a significant predictor of FTT for preschool children. Motor control and speed can be improved through exercise.



1996 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 87-89
Author(s):  
I.R. Whittle ◽  
M. Broadbent ◽  
A. Boyd ◽  
S. Lahiri ◽  
A. Robbins ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to evaluate knowledge and perceptions of brain tumours in a heterogenous, highly educated group of adults living in Edinburgh. Two hundred and forty four respondents answered a questionnaire about the causes, effects and treatments of brain tumours. There were misconceptions about several clinical and biological aspects of intracranial tumours although most respondents were aware of the bleak prognosis associated with many neoplasms. These results, from the intellectual elite of Scotland's capital, suggest that access to information about brain tumours should be readily available. Five leaflets, covering various aspects of brain tumours, that are available through the recently established Scottish charity Brain Tumour Action seem well formulated to address areas of concern and misconception.



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